EASA AD 2021-0022: Engine — Main Bearing / Studs — Replacement

What to do

Operators must replace affected main bearing studs following the instructions in Continental Aerospace Technologies Service Bulletin CG 125-1027 P1 within the specified compliance times, which vary by aircraft group and flight hours. From 1 February 2021, installation of affected parts is prohibited. Compliance deadlines range from within 15 flight hours to 200 flight hours depending on the group classification and flight hours accumulated.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0022 is an airworthiness directive addressing Continental Aerospace Technologies GmbH TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 engines installed on various aircraft including Diamond DA 40, DA 42, DA 42M, CEAPR DR 400 series, Textron Aviation 172 series, and Piper PA-28 series. The directive mandates replacement of certain main bearing studs identified by specific batch numbers due to reported failures. It applies to all serial numbers listed in the associated service bulletin CG 125-1027 P1.

What changed

EASA AD 2021-0022 introduces mandatory replacement of affected main bearing studs on specified TAE 125 engine models to prevent engine failures. It prohibits reinstallation of the affected parts and requires compliance within defined flight hour limits based on aircraft group classification. This is a new directive addressing a safety concern related to broken main bearing studs.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as broken main bearing studs can lead to crankshaft sensor failures, crankshaft fractures, engine in-flight shutdowns, and forced landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely replacement to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Compliance with this AD helps prevent potential damage to aircraft and injury to occupants.